DEFERENTIAL Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

deferential

adjective

ˌde-fə-ˈren-chəl

Definition of deferential

as in respectful

marked by or showing proper regard for another's higher status the man had the deferential attitude of someone who had been a servant his entire life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of deferential Throughout his opinion, Carter repeatedly described the deferential standard of review judges are obligated to follow under the Federal Arbitration Act. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Sep. 2026 Playing an acoustic guitar, Martin delivered a surprise number that was both self-deprecating and deferential to two great Australians, the late cricketing great Shane Warne and Farnham. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2026 Vicki’s expectation of deferential treatment is honestly hard to comprehend. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026 Carefully deferential to the star, Parton carved out a foothold for herself. — Rj Smith, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deferential

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deferential

Adjective

The United States’ network of defense pacts is poised to get stronger as its allies get stronger, but only if rebalancing occurs with consent, foresight, and respectful treatment of partners.

— Charles Kupchan, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026
In a statement to The Times, Austin FC said it was committed to providing a welcoming, safe and respectful environment for all fans.

— Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of respectful

Adjective

The Ptolemaic model depicted planets moving around Earth in a big circle, known as a deferent, then going around a smaller circle while retrograding, called an epicycle.

— Carlie Procell, USA Today, 25 Feb. 2026
And many advocates are promoting a vision of public health that’s less dependent on mandates and appeals to authority, and more deferent to individuals’ beliefs.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 4 Aug. 2025

Definition of deferent

Browse Nearby Words

deferent

deferential

deferentially

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Deferential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deferential. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of deferential

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

milieu

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes